For almost seven decades, the award-winning Allentown spinal injury lawyers at Munley Law have helped injury victims seek justice and pursue compensation, enabling them to recover millions of dollars. With deep knowledge, proven expertise, and a long list of settlements and verdicts, our spinal injury attorneys continue to be honored by the American Association for Justice, Lawdragon, Irish Legal 100, Martindale-Hubbell, and other organizations.
The spinal cord is a vital component of the central nervous system, responsible for transmitting signals between the brain and the rest of the body. When a spinal injury occurs, it can lead to devastating consequences that often have a profound impact on a person’s physical, emotional, and financial well-being.
Understanding the gravity of spinal injuries and their potential long-term effects is crucial in recognizing the need for comprehensive medical care, support, and legal representation for those who have experienced such injuries. Contact an Allentown lawyer at Munley Law for a free consultation if you or a loved one suffered a spinal injury. We’re available 24/7, and there’s no fee unless we win your case.
What are the Potential Effects of Spinal Injuries?
Spinal injuries are among the most serious and life-altering injuries an individual can experience. The spinal cord, which runs through the vertebrae of the spine, plays a crucial role in transmitting signals between the brain and the rest of the body. When the spinal cord is damaged, it can result in a range of physical, sensory, and neurological impairments that can have a profound impact on a person’s daily life.
Some of the potential effects of spinal injuries include:
Paralysis
Depending on the location and severity of the injury, spinal cord damage can lead to partial or complete paralysis. Paraplegia refers to the loss of sensation and function in the lower body, while quadriplegia affects the loss of sensation and function in both the upper and lower body. Paralysis can significantly impact mobility, independence, and quality of life, which underscores the importance of consulting a skilled catastrophic injury lawyer in Allentown to secure adequate compensation.
Older research published on the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website indicates spinal injury is the second-leading cause of paralysis in the U.S., causing 27.3% cases.
Sensory Changes
Spinal cord injuries can cause changes in sensation and perception. This may result in reduced or loss of sensation in affected areas of the body, including the ability to feel touch, temperature, or pain. Sensory changes, which are often also significant in cases handled by an Allentown brain injury lawyer, can affect a person’s ability to detect injuries, regulate body temperature, or perform daily activities.
Motor Impairment
Spinal injuries can lead to loss of motor function, muscle weakness, or coordination difficulties. This can make it challenging to perform everyday tasks, such as walking, grasping objects, or maintaining balance. Rehabilitation and physical therapy are crucial in helping individuals regain and maximize their motor function.
Bowel and Bladder Dysfunction
Spinal cord damage can disrupt the normal functioning of the bowel and bladder. Individuals may experience difficulties in controlling urination and defecation, requiring specialized management techniques or assistive devices for daily living.
Respiratory Complications
Depending on the level of the spinal injury, individuals may experience respiratory difficulties. Damage to the upper spinal cord can affect the muscles involved in breathing, necessitating the need for respiratory support or assisted ventilation.
Chronic Pain
Spinal injuries can cause chronic pain, which can vary in intensity and location. The pain may result from nerve damage, muscle spasms, or musculoskeletal imbalances. Managing chronic pain is a significant challenge, particularly in workplace injuries, highlighting the value of support from a workers’ compensation lawyer in Allentown to secure appropriate benefits.
Emotional and Psychological Impact
Spinal injuries can have a profound emotional and psychological impact on individuals and their loved ones. Adjusting to life with a spinal injury can involve feelings of grief, loss, frustration, and anxiety. According to Michigan Medicine, adults living with spinal cord injuries have an almost 80% chance of developing psychological conditions such as depression and anxiety, compared to people without spinal cord injuries. Mental health support is crucial after a spinal injury, especially in tragic cases handled by a wrongful death lawyer in Allentown, where emotional challenges profoundly affect families.
How Else Do Spinal Injuries Affect Victims’ Lives in Allentown, PA?
It is important to recognize that the effects of spinal injuries extend beyond the physical to various aspects of an individual’s life, including personal relationships, employment, and financial stability. The cost of medical treatment, assistive devices, ongoing therapy, and necessary home modifications in Allentown can be substantial.
Given the life-altering consequences of spinal injuries, it is essential for individuals who have experienced such injuries to seek comprehensive medical care, rehabilitation services, and emotional support. Additionally, consulting with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney specializing in spinal injury cases can help individuals navigate the legal complexities and seek fair compensation to cover their medical expenses, ongoing care needs, lost wages, and other damages.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer at Munley Law
Call Us At 844-686-5397 How is Spinal Injury Severity Calculated in Law?
Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) can vary widely in their severity and the extent of impairment they cause. Determining the severity of a spinal cord injury in Allentown is crucial for medical professionals, researchers, and spinal cord injury attorneys in Allentown. Various assessment methods are utilized to evaluate the severity of spinal cord injuries, providing valuable information about the level of impairment and potential long-term effects on an individual’s functioning and quality of life. Among these methods are the ASIA Impairment Scale and Frankel Classification.
ASIA Impairment Scale (AIS)
The ASIA Impairment Scale (AIS) is commonly used to classify the severity of spinal cord injuries based on the level of sensory and motor function below the injury site. It categorizes injuries into five grades:
- AIS A: Complete injury with no sensory or motor function below the level of injury.
- AIS B: Incomplete injury with sensory function preserved, but no motor function below the level of injury.
- AIS C: Incomplete injury with some motor function preserved, with most key muscles below the injury site having a muscle grade of less than 3.
- AIS D: Incomplete injury with motor function preserved, with most key muscles below the injury site having a muscle grade of 3 or more.
- AIS E: Normal sensory and motor function.
The AIS classification helps medical professionals and legal experts understand the severity of an injury and its impact on an individual’s daily functioning and prognosis.
Frankel Classification
The Frankel Classification is another widely used method to assess the severity of spinal cord injuries. It categorizes injuries into five grades:
- Grade A: Complete injury with no motor or sensory function below the level of injury.
- Grade B: Incomplete injury with sensation preserved, but no motor function below the level of injury.
- Grade C: Incomplete injury with some motor function preserved, but most key muscles below the injury site have a muscle grade of less than 3.
- Grade D: Incomplete injury with most key muscles below the injury site having a muscle grade of 3 or more.
- Grade E: Normal sensory and motor function.
Neurological Level of Injury
The neurological level of injury, critical in determining the severity of spinal damage, is a key factor considered by a catastrophic injury lawyer in Allentown when advocating for appropriate compensation. This level is crucial in determining the extent of impairment and the impact on an individual’s mobility and functioning.
Functional Independence Measure (FIM)
The Functional Independence Measure is a comprehensive assessment tool used to evaluate an individual’s ability to perform various activities of daily living. It assesses motor and cognitive skills, providing a measure of functional independence and the level of assistance required for specific tasks.
Radiological Imaging
Radiological imaging, such as MRI or CT scans, is crucial for identifying spinal cord damage and often serves as critical evidence for a medical malpractice lawyer in Allentown when building your case. It provides valuable information about the severity of the injury and assists in planning appropriate medical interventions.
It is important to note that the severity of a spinal cord injury is not solely determined by physical impairments but also takes into account the functional limitations and impact on an individual’s quality of life. Each case is unique, and the assessment of severity requires a comprehensive evaluation by medical professionals with expertise in spinal cord injuries.
Calculating the severity of a spinal cord injury is a complex process that involves integrating clinical assessments, imaging studies, and functional evaluations. Accurate evaluation is essential for providing appropriate medical care, determining the prognosis, and advocating for the rights and compensation of individuals affected by spinal cord injuries in legal settings.
The severity of a spinal cord injury is assessed using various methods, including the ASIA Impairment Scale, Frankel Classification, neurological level of injury, functional independence measures, and radiological imaging. These assessment tools help medical professionals and legal experts understand the extent of impairment.
“Since 1959, we have secured over $1 billion in
compensation for our clients.”
Daniel W. Munley
What Compensation is Available in Spinal Injury Cases in Allentown, PA?
Spinal injuries are undoubtedly considered serious and life-altering injuries due to their potential to cause significant physical, sensory, and neurological impairments. They can result in:
- Paralysis
- Sensory changes
- Motor impairment
- Bowel and bladder dysfunction
- Respiratory complications
- Chronic pain
- Emotional distress
The consequences of spinal injuries can have a profound impact on an individual’s daily life, independence, and overall well-being. While compensation cannot restore victims’ bodies to the way they were before their accidents, it can help them face the future with greater confidence.
When it comes to seeking compensation for spinal injuries, enlisting the help of a skilled Allentown personal injury lawyer is essential. A Munley Law lawyer specializing in spinal injuries can expertly guide you through the complex legal process following vehicle-related spinal trauma.
A qualified attorney will thoroughly assess your case, gather evidence, consult with medical experts, and build a strong legal strategy to demonstrate the extent of your injuries, the impact on your life, and the liability of the responsible party. They will advocate for your rights, negotiate with insurance companies, and, if necessary, litigate your case in court.
By working with a lawyer, you can increase your chances of securing a favorable settlement or jury verdict that covers various aspects of your damages, including:
- Medical expenses
- Rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Future care needs
It is important to remember that every case is unique, and the outcome will depend on various factors, including the specific circumstances of the accident, the extent of your injuries, and the strength of the evidence.
Why Choose Munley Law for Your Allentown Spinal Injury Lawyer?
If you want to seek justice and fair compensation for a spinal injury, you need top legal representation. This is where Munley Law’s expert Allentown spinal injury lawyers come in.
We’ve fought for justice on behalf of clients since 1959, obtaining multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements for them. One of our many client victories was a $1.3 million jury verdict for a woman who was forced off the road by a commercial truck, leaving her with serious spinal injuries requiring two surgical procedures.
Our lawyers are known throughout Lehigh County, wider Pennsylvania, and further afield for their prowess at the negotiating table and in the courtroom. Marion Munley, Daniel Munley, J. Christopher Munley, and John Mulcahey have board certifications in Civil Trial Law and Civil Trial Advocacy from the National Board of Trial Advocacy. In recognition of their expertise, Best Lawyers named Marion Lawyer of the Year for Personal Injury Litigation and named J. Christopher Lawyer of the Year for Workers’ Compensation.
The National Trial Lawyers named all our partners among the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Pennsylvania and named Caroline Munley among the Top 25 Women Trial Lawyers in Pennsylvania. Some of our attorneys are members of prestigious organizations such as The Summit Council, American Board of Trial Advocates, International Society of Barristers, and Litigation Counsel of America.
Give yourself the best chance of obtaining justice and securing compensation by choosing Munley Law for your Allentown spinal injury lawyer.
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Contact Munley Law Today
Consulting with a knowledgeable attorney specializing in spinal injury cases will provide you with the guidance and representation necessary to pursue the compensation you need and deserve.
Engaging the services of a reputable personal injury lawyer with experience in spinal injury cases can help you navigate the legal process, protect your rights, and pursue fair compensation. With the expertise and advocacy from Munley Law’s Allentown spinal injury lawyers, you can focus on your recovery while knowing that you have a dedicated legal team fighting for your best interests. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Daniel W. Munley
Daniel W. Munley is an award-winning personal-injury attorney and champion of plaintiffs’ rights. For decades he’s won multi-million verdicts and settlements and is recognized as a national leader in truck and rideshare litigation,including a record $26 million truck settlement in Northeastern Pennsylvania and a $20 million recovery in 2024 for life-altering commercial-vehicle injuries.
Reviewed by Bernadine Munley, Esq., Personal Injury Attorney at Munley Law, on January 21, 2026.
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